A Springfield school has been rated “requires improvement” by Ofsted in its latest report.

Concerns were raised by inspectors about the quality of teaching and learning, pupils causing disruption and being easily distracted, and the low level of expectations at Springfield Primary School, Chelmsford.

However, the school was praised for its work to safeguard pupils which inspectors noted was a “strength”.

The latest report reveals concerns about the new subject leaders’ inability to fulfil their roles effectively enough to have an impact on outcomes for pupils.

It also raised concerns about the quality of teaching and learning being too variable to secure consistently good outcomes across the school.

The report reads: “Recent changes made by school leaders have resulted in improvement and pupils’ progress is accelerating. However, teaching is not yet leading to consistently rapid progress for pupils to attain the standards expected for their age.

“Some teachers do not plan learning that excites pupils. Nor do they ensure that they consistently encourage good attitudes to learning. As a result, pupils lose interest, low-level disruption occurs and progress slows.”

However, the school was praised for its Early Years provision. The report reads: “Provision is now good. Children get off to a good start as they enter school.”

Headteacher Jacquelyn Pick said: “We are really pleased the report reflects our aim for all teaching across the school to be good or better with the report saying, ‘The headteacher has been relentless in her pursuit of good teaching and is determined to create a school where the focus is on high-quality learning. She, with the support of the deputy headteacher, has taken decisive action where teaching is not good enough.’

“Improvement takes time and four terms ago the Local Authority judged our school as inadequate. We have come a long way but still have a lot of work to do.”